Friday, May 3, 2013

You know how every problem that occurs
on “Sesame Street” seems to be solved within five minutes? If a Muppet is going
through some stuff, there’s a solution or advice waiting just around the corner
from a fellow Muppet, a cast member or a visiting celebrity.

Life’s not so simple on “Avenue Q.”
Princeton has a B.A. in English, but has not yet found his purpose in life. Kate
Monster is a kindergarten teaching assistant who wants to open a school for
monsters someday. Rod is a Republican banker who’s keeping a secret even he
doesn’t really know. Trekkie Monster likes to spend time surfing the Internet … for
porn. And Gary Coleman has long left acting behind and works as a building
superintendent.

These and other characters – some of
whom are portrayed by humans and some of which are puppets brought to life by
their human friends – sing about their dreams and their struggles in the
musical “Avenue Q.” The show deals with such issues as sexual identity,
unemployment, racism and relationships, but does so in a warm and funny way.

The book, the songs and the puppetry
come together to make this an absolutely original, hilarious musical. When I
saw it a few years ago, I remember my stomach hurting from laughing so much. I
watched part of one of the recent rehearsals of the Ephrata Performing Arts
Center’s production of “Avenue Q,” and remembered why this show is so
delightful, clever and funny. The cast is doing a fantastic job!

“Avenue Q” opened last night at the
Sharadin Bigler Theatre. Be sure to treat yourself to this great (but ADULT)
night of theater. Keep in mind that life is full of things that aren’t very
pleasant … and that life contains sex. And KEEP THE KIDS AT HOME. This show is definitely
about grown-up stuff.

But if you’re a grown-up (and don’t
mind puppets having sex, briefly, on stage – it’s hilarious, believe me!), you
will love this show!

You can read more about the show here, in today's Entertainment Lancaster section of the Intelligencer-Journal/New Era.

The show runs through May 18. Order tickets on the web site or by
calling 733-7966.